December 21, 2012

Authentic Community

It was 39 degrees when Shoulder the Cross showed up this
morning. There were only 20 or so people in line and the reason was given, “because
it is too darn cold”. We had a great time with our friends this week. We talked
briefly about the unfortunate fire that caused 68 families to be homeless. Leo,
a Shoulder the Cross volunteer, mentioned that he was there, fighting the
apartment fire. Leo is a fire truck driver for the city of Austin. James, a
homeless friend, told us a story that happened to him several years ago. He
told us he called home and talked to his kids and they were bragging about how
they had started a fire at home that day. James told them, that’s great, but we
don’t have a fire place.

David and his Daughter Macy came out to help this morning.
It was really nice having the extra help. Whenever we get volunteers to help
for the first time, we like to ask the question; “What about your time with
Shoulder the Cross, left an impact on you?” David said he really liked the
sense of community he saw. He noticed how orderly everyone was in the line.
David and Macy felt a sense of authenticity as many of our friends stayed
around to chat after we were done serving. David liked how Shoulder the Cross
seemed to meet and greet the homeless where they are, so to speak. David
especially remembered that after we finished serving, a man wondered up,
looking like he was just checking things out. Once we saw the man, we greeted
him by name saying “Hi David, can we help you with anything” He had the same
name as I did, so that really stuck out. He asked for coffee and really needed
nothing more. Finally, David mentioned that he enjoyed the humble and simple
nature of our ministry and looks forward to helping when he can in the near
future.